Ipod Question

[rainerng]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know of a portable gizmo (other than a laptop) that one can use to control the speed of the songs on your ipod? It would be great if I can change the speeds of songs on my ipod during practice.

[Josh]

I don't think anything out there exists... After doing a google search on:

ipod (tempo OR speed) change

nothing really came up, so it's doubtful that it's out there right now. It would probably take a bit more processing and RAM than the iPod has anyway, so don't hold your breath.

[tunape]

I gave up hope on such a device/software(even tried programming something)... ended up using a software metronome on my palm/ppc.

another thing you can do is to modify the song on a computer, and save it to your ipod/mp3 player. I have various tempo versions of the same song.

[LucyDiamond]

another thing you can do is to modify the song on a computer, and save it to your ipod/mp3 player. I have various tempo versions of the same song.
Yes, that is what I was going to suggest.

[anyli_t]

Actually, if I understand it correctly, the Creative NOMAD had a time scale feature that would let you speed up and slow down music. I think they've discontinued them (although Creative has other players that might have the same feature), but maybe you can find a used one somewhere. Good luck!

[dTas]

a very easy solution is to have different songs for each speed you want. you wouldn't have to record different speeds of the same song. just find a song at the tempo you're looking for and save it. you could create a genre of speeds to sort your ipod by.

[jta]

I've used the iriver ifP795 for practice, probably still available on ebay. The pitch control was added later in a firmware update which was easy to install.

http://www.iriveramerica.com/support/ultra/125_iFP700.aspx

[JohnLL]

Since we are on the topic of portable music players here is my question...
What I would love to have would be a portable music player with wireless headphones (maybe bluetooth?). AND I think it would be cool if two people could run wireless headphones off the same portable player (as in a leader and a follower listening to the same music). Would be nice for practicing before a comp when the wrong music is playing or at a studio where floor space is shared between multiple couples/instructors.

[and123]

Larinda was doing this with some of her students not too long ago.... try emailing or PMing her to see what you can find out. IIRC the music was playing on a nearby laptop and being transmitted to receivers and earphones worn by the dancers. It was her students' technology, not hers, BTW, so for all I know she was just an earphone recipient and nothing else :)

[DanPost]

Since we are on the topic of portable music players here is my question...
What I would love to have would be a portable music player with wireless headphones (maybe bluetooth?)

John,

Here is what I have put together:
iPod Nano (~$150-250 depending on capacity)
+
Griffin iTrip FM transmitter ($50; portable version, plugs straight in to the iPod)

2 Sandisk Sansa 1GB MP3 players with FM receivers ($40 each; they were barely more expensive than a good FM headset, smaller, AND had the MP3 play capability too)


I don't get the FM receivers until some time next week since I got a good deal for them online instead of buying them in a store, so I'll let you know how it works out. Bluetooth might work--I'm not sure if any Bluetooth transmitters support multiple connections, as the protocol and its implementation isn't my specialty. I'll see if I can find anything...

Apart from that, the Nano itself has been great for practicing by myself, both Standard and Latin (or anything else of course). It will be even better once I get the rest of the system together, since I only practice at nights and the contention ratio for music plus the fact that group classes and private lessons take priority means without it, practicing with music is an abnormality. Now it will be the norm! I think a lot of people are in a similar situation.

Very thankful for technology,
Dan

[BM]

a very easy solution is to have different songs for each speed you want. you wouldn't have to record different speeds of the same song. just find a song at the tempo you're looking for and save it. you could create a genre of speeds to sort your ipod by.

That's why I've been going through my music figuring out MPMs. Now I can choose a song and definitely know that it's comp speed/practise speed. :)

[Medira]

I think that this might be what you're looking for wrt. wireless headphones:

-http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/motorola-offers-bluetooth-ipod-adapter-wireless-headphones/

[rainerng]

a very easy solution is to have different songs for each speed you want. you wouldn't have to record different speeds of the same song. just find a song at the tempo you're looking for and save it. you could create a genre of speeds to sort your ipod by.


Yeah...but it's just a pain esp when you have tons of music. Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait a couple more years when some genius comes up with something.

[quixotedlm]

Found on the internet -


You can do a +/- 25% tempo change on the fly with newer iPods. First convert your MP3 file into an AAC/audio book file, transfer it to the iPod, then while playing press the center select button until you see the speed option. Set playback speed to your preference. You can go much faster with Audacity or other utils, but this is a great feature.

[Medira]

Found on the internet -

Very neat. :) I wonder if it will work on my iPod....

[JohnLL]

I think that this might be what you're looking for wrt. wireless headphones:

-http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/motorola-offers-bluetooth-ipoadapter-wireless-headphones/

Thanks! That looks like exactly what I had in mind!

[Peaches]

Found on the internet -Sweet!!!! I just found the excuse I've been looking for to get a new one!!!

[White Chacha]

2 Sandisk Sansa 1GB MP3 players with FM receivers ($40 each; they were barely more expensive than a good FM headset, smaller, AND had the MP3 play capability too)


Very interested to know how these work out. My experience with mp3 players with FM receivers is poor. An example was the Creative "Rhomba". If you live in anything approximating a metropolitan area, the FM receiver is next to useless. It gets swamped by any strong stations.

[LucyDiamond]

Found on the internet -
Doesn't work on my iPod video. :cry:

[LucyDiamond]

I just figured out that it DOES work on my iPOD video but, only on the audio books. I had missed the part in quixotedlm's message that said you needed to convert your MP3 file into an AAC/audio book file. Now, I wonder how to do that. Time to :google:

[LucyDiamond]

Success!!! All that needs to be done is change the extension from .m4p to .m4b. Before I did this, I saved a backup of the file in a safe location. :wink:

[DanPost]

Very interested to know how these work out. My experience with mp3 players with FM receivers is poor. An example was the Creative "Rhomba". If you live in anything approximating a metropolitan area, the FM receiver is next to useless. It gets swamped by any strong stations.

I'll post my results. Here is a site which allows you to search for vacant bands based on the zip code: http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/vacant

Also, since radio waves follow the inverse squares principle, worst case I wear the transmitter on me. (Double the distance = quarter the signal strength.)

I'll let you know how it works out... worth a $150 gamble, and if nothing else, I have good early Christmas presents to give out ;)

Failing that, I'll try Bluetooth... looks like an audio gateway may be the way to go. The things we do... :D
Dan

[jekyblue]

I've wanted to find a wireless headphone approach for years but haven't found a wireless setup that seemed just right. Wireless technology is finally getting there, but as a workaround: My partner and I had success using two iPods containing the same music. Just start the music at the same time. It's not perfect synchronization, but it worked for us at a time when we were rehearsing for a showcase and couldn't get exclusive access to the studio stereo system. We ran headphone wires under our shirts to keep them out of the way.

[DanPost]

I've wanted to find a wireless headphone approach for years but haven't found a wireless setup that seemed just right. Wireless technology is finally getting there, but as a workaround: My partner and I had success using two iPods containing the same music. Just start the music at the same time. It's not perfect synchronization, but it worked for us at a time when we were rehearsing for a showcase and couldn't get exclusive access to the studio stereo system. We ran headphone wires under our shirts to keep them out of the way.

Yeah, I tried the same thing but was dealing with an iPod Nano (mine) and Mini (slow hard drives!), so the response time was different. Buying a second Nano is my fallback option. How small are you able to get the human error? Since 1/4th of a second (or less) is about the speed of some of the steps, you've really got to be precise...

Dan

[quixotedlm]

Yeah, I tried the same thing but was dealing with an iPod Nano (mine) and Mini (slow hard drives!), so the response time was different. Buying a second Nano is my fallback option. How small are you able to get the human error? Since 1/4th of a second (or less) is about the speed of some of the steps, you've really got to be precise...

Dan

Untested idea -

Try using an iPod remote. Maybe the remote can switch on/off two iPods at the same time?

[DanPost]

I've wanted to find a wireless headphone approach for years but haven't found a wireless setup that seemed just right.

I wanted to let you all know that my FM xmit/rcvr experiment has been a success... I wear the transmitter on me since it's so low-power. It also serves to keep my partner from wandering too far when we are dancing, since it will go to static :twisted: j/k

This is in a pretty urban environment (Sacramento, CA with 2M+ people in the metro area), and in the heart of it too. I haven't tried it in the Bay Area yet.

It works really well. Except of course when they really pump up the Country or West Coast or Waltz or whatever it is that night.

Dan

[cantskiforlife]

Wireless headphones are widely found nowadays. Its just a matter of shrinking them. With any music player (portable or not) you can use a splitter to allow access to two sets of headphones. All you need to do now is attach two sets of wireless headphoes. The technology I am talking about has been around for at least 10 years. However, they were quite bulky before.

Costs:
MP3 or audio player of choice: you already own it
Headphone splitter: $10
2 sets of wireless headphones: $60-100 each = 120-200.

Total cost for 2 person system = 130-210 + music player. Not too bad.

[cantskiforlife]

Oh - Creative has some (Wireless SE2300) for $129. No idea how they are though.

[White Chacha]

I've been doing some research on bluetooth adapters and headsets. It turns out to be hard to get exact details on the bluetooth adapters. It does look, however, like they will only "pair" (talk to) one set of bluetooth headphones at a time. I wrote one of the manufacturers about multiple pairing and have been subjected to stony silence.

I do have one of those iTrip FM transmitters for my iPod. That and a couple of FM headphones might work. But then again, I dance standard so a headphone splitter and a couple of sets of wired listening devices will work.

[DanPost]

I've been doing some research on bluetooth adapters and headsets. It turns out to be hard to get exact details on the bluetooth adapters. It does look, however, like they will only "pair" (talk to) one set of bluetooth headphones at a time. I wrote one of the manufacturers about multiple pairing and have been subjected to stony silence.


Yeah, I figured the same thing about pairing... However, it would still work with cantskiforlife's suggestion of getting a splitter and two transmitters. (Yuck but ok, it would work.)

cantskiforlife-- thanks for the link. I browsed Bluetooth headsets quite a bit and couldn't find anything as small as that. still a little worried about them flopping off ears because of the weight. I'm sorely tempted to buy them just for fun, though.

I paired my PC to my cell phone Bluetooth headset for kicks (it's so cool that you can do that), and started up iTunes. The sound quality of my headset was awful, but I'm sure that's a function of it being designed for voice communications, not hi-fi music.

I do have one of those iTrip FM transmitters for my iPod. That and a couple of FM headphones might work. But then again, I dance standard so a headphone splitter and a couple of sets of wired listening devices will work.

True (iTrip-- that's the setup I got, see my prior post [haha]). While it's very useful for Latin, I find the wireless handy for Standard too (since I usually have it with me anyway), since there's no (less anyway) worry about tangled wires. (Hasn't stopped me though :D)

Dan

[Terpsichorean Clod]

1 GB flash mp3 player (or CD player) - $30
Y-splitter - $4
Coby FM transmitter - $15
FM radio (small, clipped to waist) - $15

Not having to foxtrot to the nightclub two-step music being played over and over and over again by the wedding lesson couple - priceless. :cool:

[cmcaldas]

Does anyone have any experience combining an Ipod with wireless headsets when practicing? Any product recommendations would be greatly appreciated :p!

[Kenneth]

My partner and I usually practise in some place we cannot play the music out loudly. I am wondering whether there is such an equitment like bluetooth headset, but for two people? Certainly we need the same music playing in our seperate headsets.

Anyone got any idea?;)

[fascination]

have seen couples w/these but no clue as to where they got them...hopefully someone who does will come along shortly

[contracheck]

My partner and I usually practise in some place we cannot play the music out loudly. I am wondering whether there is such an equitment like bluetooth headset, but for two people? Certainly we need the same music playing in our seperate headsets.

Anyone got any idea?;)

I use wireless headphones, and they are god sent. They are particularly useful when I take lessons because we don't have to fight for the studio audio system and we don'twant interference from the noise other people make. You can certainly use them where you can't play music loudly. You can buy wirless headphones (made by JVC, Koss, RCA, Sony and others) at Radio Shack or Amazon. These systems come with a base and one pair of wireless headphones. Because you need two pairs of headphones, you need to buy two comlete systems (each costs about $50-80) but use only one base. Connect the wire from the base to the music source such as a laptop computer or iPod, and play the music. You and your partner put on the wireless headphone and dance. People in the room will wonder what the heck is going on with you.

[White Chacha]

Yeah, you have to go with contracheck's method. As for bluetooth, from what I can tell you can't pair two bluetooth listening devices to the same source.

[Ithink]

If you are practicing standard, your follow doesn't *really* need music. In fact, it would be good practice for her not to have music that she actually hears so she "listens" to you and how you dance the music. As a follow myself, I think it'd be really cool for me to try to dance this way and see what happens:)

[Josh]

Because you need two pairs of headphones, you need to buy two comlete systems (each costs about $50-80) but use only one base. Connect the wire from the base to the music source such as a laptop computer or iPod, and play the music.

CC, how does this work? Would I simply pick the same frequency on the two sets of headphones to match that of the base, or is there something else to it?

[White Chacha]

If you are practicing standard, your follow doesn't *really* need music. In fact, it would be good practice for her not to have music that she actually hears so she "listens" to you and how you dance the music. As a follow myself, I think it'd be really cool for me to try to dance this way and see what happens:)

I have a feeling your partner won't like it, and nor will you. Even if you're "listening" to your leader, I think it's still helpful for you to have access to the metronome.

[j_alexandra]

I have a feeling your partner won't like it, and nor will you. Even if you're "listening" to your leader, I think it's still helpful for you to have access to the metronome.

Respectfully disagree. My teacher and I often work in silence. It's useful. I learn to rely on my internal metronome -- and his. I pay close, fine attention to the nuance of his leads, and learn to respond. Then, when he adds music back in, things magnify. I'm a classically trained musician, but dancing as a follow w/o music works for me. YMMV.

[Terpsichorean Clod]

If you are practicing standard, your follow doesn't *really* need music. In fact, it would be good practice for her not to have music that she actually hears so she "listens" to you and how you dance the music. As a follow myself, I think it'd be really cool for me to try to dance this way and see what happens:)
How about letting the follower listen to the music, as well, so she can contribute her musical interpretation? :)

[cshorte]

I wanted to let you all know that my FM xmit/rcvr experiment has been a success... I wear the transmitter on me since it's so low-power. It also serves to keep my partner from wandering too far when we are dancing, since it will go to static :twisted: j/k

This is in a pretty urban environment (Sacramento, CA with 2M+ people in the metro area), and in the heart of it too. I haven't tried it in the Bay Area yet.

It works really well. Except of course when they really pump up the Country or West Coast or Waltz or whatever it is that night.

Dan


Hi Dan,

about how far can you guys be apart? I already own 2 radio receivers and was wondering if i could hook up the fm trans and have it sitting on the side line.

~CS

[DancingShoes]

JayBird has a bluetooth headset that can be paired to another set. They are very small, 4x6cm. JayBird sells them with an iPod transmitter. Individual volume controls makes it perfect. Can only receive transmission from your iPod. Total cost 2 headsets + transmitter about $300. It's perfect. Look for them at Amazon.com

[DancingShoes]

Sorry, here's the website for JayBird http://www.jaybirdgear.com/bluetooth-stereo-headphones-home.php Look for page 3 of "Features" I quote
"The JayBird Bluetooth Headphones offer full music and call controls including play, plause, forward & back track, answer/reject/redial call, power,
pairing and volume controls."

If you are unfamiliar with Bluetooth pairing go to http://www.bluetomorrow.com/content/section/180/284/ for full explanation.

[Josh]

DancingShoes, does this mean that you can receive audio on two sets at the same time? Sorry, I'm just not up on the technology enough to know the right questions to ask...

[DanPost]

JayBird has a bluetooth headset that can be paired to another set.

That's not what I gathered from the website, tell me if I'm misunderstanding... my reading is that it can talk to two host devices (phone, computer; or phone, iPod, etc). If you wanted two peers, you'd have to have a splitter and two transmitters (bulky; the same as FM devices only over BT).

Or perhaps, if it doesn't block the audio out port (and the iPod keeps outputting audio while the 30-pin dongle is plugged in--not sure), you can transmit to a JayBird that your partner wears and have a cable coming out of the iPod to your ears (as usual). It does look slimmer than other transmitters I've seen. Then the question is latency--is there a noticeable lag?

Purely speculation though. I take it you have a working setup? How does it work, precisely?

Thanks,
Dan

[19DancerBabyLin]

Respectfully disagree. My teacher and I often work in silence. It's useful. I learn to rely on my internal metronome -- and his. I pay close, fine attention to the nuance of his leads, and learn to respond. Then, when he adds music back in, things magnify. I'm a classically trained musician, but dancing as a follow w/o music works for me. YMMV.

My former partners were tone-deaf and rhythm-deaf, lol. I'm responsible for keeping our timing, otherwise they'll just speed up or go too slow. Rarely but sometimes they just go completely erratic.... haha

[White Chacha]

That's not what I gathered from the website, tell me if I'm misunderstanding... my reading is that it can talk to two host devices (phone, computer; or phone, iPod, etc). If you wanted two peers, you'd have to have a splitter and two transmitters (bulky; the same as FM devices only over BT).

Or perhaps, if it doesn't block the audio out port (and the iPod keeps outputting audio while the 30-pin dongle is plugged in--not sure), you can transmit to a JayBird that your partner wears and have a cable coming out of the iPod to your ears (as usual). It does look slimmer than other transmitters I've seen. Then the question is latency--is there a noticeable lag?

Purely speculation though. I take it you have a working setup? How does it work, precisely?

Thanks,
Dan

Yup, I read this the same way you do. The headset part can pair with two devices, but the transmitter can only pair with one. That precludes using two headsets with the same transmitter. I think that's pretty fundamental to the design of bluetooth.

But your speculation on whether the headphone jack is still active when the bt transmitter is plugged into the bottom of the ipod is a good lead to follow up on. If someone has an ipod dock, that would be an easy thing to test.

[DancingShoes]

Asked the tech guys at Apple, by email and they suggested bluetooth pairing was what I was looking for, however I have not received the jaybirds. They indicate that by pairing with a keycode they receive from same transmitter. Will let you know. I'm on the road starting Mon and will be back by weekend. Should know then.

[Gorme]

Or perhaps, if it doesn't block the audio out port (and the iPod keeps outputting audio while the 30-pin dongle is plugged in--not sure), you can transmit to a JayBird that your partner wears and have a cable coming out of the iPod to your ears (as usual). It does look slimmer than other transmitters I've seen. Then the question is latency--is there a noticeable lag?

I don't recommend this method. There's a noticeable lag... maybe half a second between when the wired connection hears it and the wireless connection. It's okay for slow tempo dances, but anything moderate to fast and the wireless partner is always late.

I've also tried the two bluetooth transmitter and 2 wireless BT receiver method. One transmitter is on the dock and the other plugs into the headphone jack. There is still a small latency, but only if you're dancing to a fast tempo song.

[pruthe]

I found this device that is supposed to support multiple wireless earbuds (up to 4) from one transmitter connected to iPod (or whatever).

(remove spaces from www)

w w w.kleer.com/purchase/digifi_opera.php

Looks interesting, although I do not have. There are some other more expensive wireless products listed that do similar things.

[Vagabond]

I found this device that is supposed to support multiple wireless earbuds (up to 4) from one transmitter connected to iPod (or whatever).

(remove spaces from www)

w w w.kleer.com/purchase/digifi_opera.php

Looks interesting, although I do not have. There are some other more expensive wireless products listed that do similar things.

Great link thanks pruthe

[DancingShoes]

a very easy solution is to have different songs for each speed you want. you wouldn't have to record different speeds of the same song. just find a song at the tempo you're looking for and save it. you could create a genre of speeds to sort your ipod by.
dTas, that's a great idea. Otherwise you'll need to use something like SoundForge to change tempo for same song, save them and load back into iTunes. Lots of work. Simple is best.

[White Chacha]

I still wish iPod could do tempo/speed changes on it's own. I'm guessing the processor doesn't have the horsepower to deal though.

[pruthe]

Great link thanks pruthe

Looks like someone in another thread did buy this product and had good results.

http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=32693&highlight=kleer&page=2